Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. New Jersey Manicurist (Nail Technician) License — per technician

   Each nail technician must hold a New Jersey manicurist license from the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Division of Consumer Affairs). Applicants must be at least 17 years old, provide proof of high school completion or its equivalent, complete a 300-hour manicuring course at a Board-approved school, and pass the examination administered by the Board.

   Official government source

   $140 in the first year of the biennial licensing cycle ($50 nonrefundable application filing fee plus a $90 license fee) or $95 in the second year ($50 plus $45), by check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey·4–8 weeks

   $140 in the first year of the biennial licensing cycle ($50 nonrefundable application filing fee plus a $90 license fee) or $95 in the second year ($50 plus $45), by check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey

   4–8 weeks

2. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate to 3 business days (online)

   Free

   Immediate to 3 business days (online)

1. New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Salon License

   Nail salons in New Jersey must obtain a shop license from the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Division of Consumer Affairs) under N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.1. The application must be notarized and submitted with a certified check or money order (no cash or personal checks), and requires a final Certificate of Occupancy and zoning certificate from the municipality, the lease or deed, and entity/trade-name documentation. An inspection is required before the license is issued.

   Official government source

   $250 (odd year of the biennial licensure period) or $350 (even year), nonrefundable application filing fee·4–8 weeks after application and inspection

   $250 (odd year of the biennial licensure period) or $350 (even year), nonrefundable application filing fee

   4–8 weeks after application and inspection

2. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

   Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

   Official government source

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.·Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.

   Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

Official Sources

• New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Salon License
• City of Paterson Department of Business Administration

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